Monday, July 20, 2009

Asian Delights for Tea

When I was a little child, i once had a dream so vivid that i still remember to this day. A little old man was selling his sweet desserts in a small wooden box, (maybe approximately 3' wide x 1' deep x 1.5' high) that had been attached to the back of his old beaten down black framed bicycle (which might have been a tricycle. Whoever said dreams had to be logical?)

I even remember the colour of the wooden box, which was painted in uneven brushes and sweeps of azure deep blue. The tyres were worn and old just like the shirt and straw hat that he had on but that he had one of the most unforgettable, inviting and sincerest smile that could only have come from his heart. The same kind of smile that i have seen in mom, Ben, my children and all the people i have ever loved.

He had me drooling with my jaws gaping wide as he slid open the little wooden panel exposing the most magical and enchanting looking desserts that i had ever seen. As i did not have any money on me, he looked at me deeply, kindly and still wearing the same smile said that it was to be his treat and that i could choose one of anything i like from the grand array of display. Just one?

I never did make my pick. Now that i am a grown woman, Iam quite certain that i still would not have been able to finalise on the pick if i had met the little old man again.

Which would yours have been, i wonder?

Rainbow Sago

Kuih Talam Pandan

Kuih Lapis Merah

Pulut Tatal

Pie-Tee (Top hat)

Alluringly gorgeous in presentation and rank high in the taste and flavor department, it’s undeniably one of the most inventive and vividly luscious Nyonya creations.

The two-step process starts with the making of the cases or “top hats” with a metal mold, follow by the cooking of julienned jicama, carrot, and chopped shrimp. These ingredients are then assembled to form these eye candy treats.

These munchies makes a killer hor’deurves in any parties, be it a Malaysian or Singaporean party or an all-American schmooze fest.

Sago dessert in coconut milk and palm sugar

Kuih Tako

Satay

Kuih Talam

Popiah

Kuih Dadar

Onde-onde

Kuih Tapai Nyonya

Kuih Jade

Mua Chi Kuih(or sometimes also known as Japanese Mochi)

Pulut Inti Kelapa

These are commonly known as "kuih" and the assortments of the multi coloured and sweet flavoured snack items in the Malay Archipelago. They are easily available and are usually a tea time favourite for both the young and old.

They are in delightfully delectable bite sized pieces that is usually accompanied with a mug of "Tea Tarik" or "Pulled Tea". It is tea with condensed milk and best when it is frothy, airy and bubbly from the process of 'pulling'. Or one can also opt for the local black coffee, with or without milk.

In almost all kuihs, the most common flavouring ingredients are grated coconut (plain or flavoured), coconut cream (thick or thin), pandan (screwpines) leaves and gula melaka (palm sugar, fresh or aged). Their base and texture are built on a group of starches namely rice flour, glutinous rice flour, glutinous rice and tapioca. Two other common ingredients are tapioca flour and green bean (mung bean) flour (sometimes called "green pea flour" in certain recipes). They play a most important part in giving kuihs their distinctive soft, almost pudding-like, yet firm texture.

For most kuihs there is no single "original" or "authentic" recipe. Traditionally, making kuih was the domain of elderly grandmothers, aunts and other women-folk, for whom the only (and best) method for cooking was often replied to be in "agak agak" (approximation).

They would instinctively take handfuls of ingredients and mix them without any measurements or any need of weighing scales. All is judged by its look and feel, the consistency of the batter and how it feels to the touch.

Each family holds its own traditional recipe as well as each region and state. Though each may be called by other names, one is likely to find various similar versions of kuih in neighbouring countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia.

Oh my, Silver...I don't think I could choose either. Never heard of any of those in my lifetime. I believe I would just have to sit down with you, a cup of java, and my tastebuds ready and a pinch of this and a pinch of that would be my choice.Hugs from Texas.

Oh, Silver, how incredible do these look? I'm guessing they taste just as good. I have a little Asian delicatessen nearby where I go for flatbread or Indian sweets....the chap is very helpful and loves picking me a selection as I can never make up my mind...a bit like you in your dream. He totally undercharges me, I'm sure as I walk away with such a host of amazing looking delights. xx

Helen-These Indian mithai(sweets) are definitely a gourmet's dream and delight and a feast for the eyes!!

They rely heavily on ingredients such as sugar, milk and condensed milk but I do find them much too sweet for my liking.. (and already everyone i know is telling me how extremely sweet toothed i am.. imagine that!)

What a delicious blog. Your story at the beginning, it was lovely... I think you should turn it into a book. As for the picking, give me anything drenched in coconut milk. There is a little Thai restaurant by my mom's house that has the most amazing coconut soup. My stomach growls just thinking about it. Every time I drop in for a visit, I get a bowl of this soup. *Sigh*

Azure blue is always a winner in dreams, it makes dreams more meaningful somehow. I would not have a clue upon which to choose- they all look lovely.I would probably be looking and enjoying the beautiful colours till I woke up.

Simply Out of this world!One needs to have a ceremony to devour such delicacies. They simply cannot be eaten... These are art forms that command due respect and appreciation.Is there a ceremony similar to Japanese Tea ceremony to devour those sweets and snacks?WOW!

Oh my gosh! I never knew desserts could be so colorful! I grew up in a chocolate household so everything was brown or black. I can't even imagine what they all taste like, so I'd certainly have to taste them all before I chose. :)

Dear Silver, Namaste!Good Evening!Amazing post and so colourful!When we are asked about our choice,often we are confused!Thanks for the wonderful treat!SMILE is the best gift we can give to others!Wishing you a wonderful and lovely night, Sasneham, Anu

Such amazing photographs -- I saw similar items on my trip to Thailand a few years back. Beautiful, colorful sweets -- and tempting treats everywhere we went! And I do mean everywhere, vendors, markets, shops, cafes -- I never saw so much food!

Wow, so mouthwatering! I have learned that those delicacies contain coconut milk. It makes them for yummy. Their bright colors make me crave for those sweet tasting delicacies. I once tried those “puto” and it really tastes delicious that you might even forget your name. Just kidding, but it really tastes good.

Need some help? Hop in..

roses

copper

FEAST FOR THE EYES

I am more of a presenter rather than a cook really- I know i am dealing with foodConnoisseurs here, so i am really hoping more to just inspire some ideas rather than giving a step by step tutorial. There's also going to be a lot of FUSION food- which i find more interesting. We have to think global, people!

Unless you require the full recipe/method which could be to a full page from here to briefly passing by Atlanta - do not hesitate to drop me an e mail and I will dig it up from my ancestral's dusty old cook books for some age-old secrets..(but i must admit, procrastination do get the better of me with such tasks..)

Some of the more tantalizing dishes are really from my favourite Restos or the friendly cafe a block away.. Uncle Joe, Uncle Yan, San Toshio, Uncle Roma, Roberto, Lopez.. but i can still beg them for the recipe if you make me.

by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

life at home with two teen sons..

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A perfect day for me would be to have the aroma of steamin’ hot coffee and fresh bread from the kitchen in the morning, a good book in the garden surrounded by colourful blooms on a lazy afternoon and the comfort of seeing those angelic looks on my children’s faces- safe and asleep in their beds at night.

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